Question: Please tell me your thoughts on doing a job search via the Internet. I hear there are pros and cons to it?

Answer: The Internet, if properly and wisely used, can be a very effective and efficient way to market your story, i.e. your resume. Your resume can be distributed in a matter of minutes, if not seconds, to an unlimited number of recruiters and employers. And therein lies a problem. With a traditional print resume, you can control its distribution and can customize qualifications according to what you believe are the needs of a specific organization.

To conduct an online targeted marketing campaign, you need to have some selectivity over who reads your resume and a way to reach those you want.

Also, use some caution when conducting online job searches, since it is possible for a supervisor or colleague to come across your resume. You do not want this to happen, particularly if your current employer is not aware you are seeking a new position.

You are likely familiar with basic Internet research tools, such as Google or Yahoo. You also can take advantage of search engines as information resources to help focus and narrow your marketing arenas. Think about your job search needs and use web sites to:

* Identify organizations where you have some interest in working
* Research organizations that have job openings for which you intend to apply
* Review job listings on an organization's web site
* Locate on-line job databases specializing in your field or industry
* Become informed about salary range norms and other benefits
* Learn of local networking events and headhunter's offices
* Investigate cost of living and other needed community information, if considering relocation

First and foremost, to rise to the top in electronic sort and retrieval activities, your resume needs to contain key words and phrases. Second, when you upload your resume, make sure it can be scanned easily. Third, make sure a copy of your resume has been converted to ASCII or plain text for Web/e-mail readiness and store it in an applicant database.

Employers and job seekers are turning to the Internet more to conduct business. However, don't look at electronic resumes and listings as the only ways to market yourself. After sending out a broadcast e-mail, sitting down with a colleague to discuss your situation is still one of the best ways to learn of opportunities and inform people that you are in the market.

Some positions are not listed on online databases because of highly specified requirements. Often, word is spread through selected groups or arenas. Networking and informational interviews remain important to a job search.

Marshall Brown
http://careerbuildertoolkit.com/